Some 2014 Grand Cherokees Won’t Use Regular Gas

by Nate Wooley | January 14, 2013 12:08 pm

[1]One new version of the top-selling Chrysler SUV, the Jeep Grand Cherokee, is leaving regular gasoline behind.

That is, it’s leaving gasoline engines behind. For 2014, customers will have the option of getting a Grand Cherokee that’s diesel-powered, the Associated Press reports[2]. The new lineup was announced Monday morning at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The firm also announced updates to its Jeep Compass and Patriot models.

The new diesel Grand Cherokee will sport a 240-hp EcoDiesel V-6 engine that can tow 7,400 pounds. The anticipated mileage will be 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway for the two-wheel-drive models and 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway for all-wheel drive.

Chrysler said the new diesel engine comes in response to customer demand. While more expensive, it will have significantly more power and fuel-efficiency. Chrysler says it thinks that it will appeal to people whose outdoor-oriented lifestyle demands the power to haul heavy items on a regular basis.

The exact price will be announced closer to the new model’s availability date, which will be in the next few months.